Bota Systems’ new sensor optimises Cobots for heavy payloads

The SensONE T80 is equipped with ISO-9409-1-80-6-M8 flanges, directly matching the mounting flanges on the latest UR20 and UR30 cobots from Universal Robots, eliminating the need for an adapter. This streamlines the work of integrators by removing the need for additional engineering to design adapter mounting equipment, significantly reducing time to market. The sensor also includes an ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 flange to accommodate third-party devices compatible with Universal Robots, facilitating the development of new interfaces.

By removing the need for an adapter, the overall weight of the sensor assembly is minimised, allowing the robot’s payload capacity to be fully utilised for material handling rather than merely supporting end-of-arm tooling. Additionally, eliminating adapters reduces the risk of using inappropriate materials that could compromise sensor stiffness and affect measurement accuracy.

A robotic force-torque sensor measures force and torque applied to its surface. Using these real-time measurements in feedback control enables robots to perform complex interaction tasks with precision.

“This sensor, featuring ISO flanges on both sides, is a perfect fit for the UR20 and UR30 models,” said Susanne Noerdinger, Head of Ecosystem Success EMEA at Universal Robots. “It provides a high-precision, direct-fit solution that simplifies integration for our customers, enabling them to leverage the full capabilities of our cobots in demanding applications like heavy palletising and welding. This collaboration with Bota Systems increases the sensitivity and precision of solutions with UR, giving our customers the tools they need to innovate and automate more effectively.”

“The SensONE T80 is particularly beneficial for applications such as heavy palletising and tightening tasks (typically handled by the UR30) and welding (common for the UR20),” said Klajd Lika, CEO and Co-Founder of Bota Systems. “Additional applications include large-scale sanding and polishing, precision mechanical assembly, and face matching/alignment of heavy workpieces, such as in CNC loader operations.”

The SensONE T80 can handle up to 80Nm of torque. Its peak-to-peak noise (measured at six times the standard deviation) is 0.3N for force measurements and 0.012Nm for torque, achieving the same precision levels as sensors used for lower payload cobots. Its torque range supports the full payload capacities for cobots exceeding 20kg and 30kg including also the expanded payload of 25kg and 35kg that was recently introduced for UR20 and UR30 respectively.

Bota Systems will showcase the SensONE T80 at the RoboBusiness Conference & Expo in Santa Clara, CA, 16–17 October 2024, alongside its range of force-torque sensors.